The Developmental Implications of Parentification: Effects on Childhood Attachment

Abstract

Parentification refers to the process through which children are assigned the role of an adult, taking on both emotional and functional responsibilities that typically are performed by the parent. The parent, in turn, takes the dependent position of the child in the parent-child relationship. Although a small degree of parentification can be beneficial to child development, this process can become pathological when the tasks become too burdensome or when the child feels obligated to take on the role of adult. The purpose of this review is to examine the current literature concerning the effects of parentification on child attachment and the implications this may have for the present and future well-being of a child. Methodological issues in current research as well as suggestions for future research are also discussed. Research indicates that, due to the emotional unavailability of the caregiver, emotional parentification disrupts the development of secure attachment. The consequent formation of insecure attachments to primary caregivers, particularly the mother, results in interpersonal deficits in the child that can carry on into adulthood.